Basketball training aid

ABSTRACT

A basketball training aid structured and arranged to be worn on a guide or non-shooting hand of a basketball player for use in developing a proper basketball shot, thereby increasing higher shooting percentages and overall accuracy.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. 37 CFR 1.71(d).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The following includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention(s). It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art, or material, to the presently described or claimed inventions, or that any publication or document that is specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

1. FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of shooting and training aids for basketball players and more specifically relates to a basketball training aid structured and arranged to be worn on a guide or non-shooting hand of a basketball player for use in developing a proper basketball shot, thereby increasing higher shooting percentages and overall accuracy.

2. DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

Basketball is a limited-contact sport played on a rectangular court. While most often played as a team sport with five players on each side, three-on-three, two-on-two, and one-on-one competitions are also common. The objective is to shoot a basketball (approximately 9.4 inches (24 cm) in diameter) through a hoop 18 inches (46 cm) in diameter and 10 feet (3.048 m) high that is mounted to a backboard at each end of the court.

Shooting is the act of attempting to score points by throwing the ball through the basket, methods varying with players and situations. Typically, a player faces the basket with both feet facing the basket. A player will rest the ball on the fingertips of the dominant hand (the shooting arm) slightly above the head, with the other hand supporting the side of the ball. The ball is usually shot by jumping (though not always) and extending the shooting arm. The shooting arm, fully extended with the wrist fully bent, is held stationary for a moment following the release of the ball, known as a follow-through. Players often try to put a steady backspin on the ball to absorb its impact with the rim. The ideal trajectory of the shot is somewhat controversial, but generally a proper arc is recommended. Players may shoot directly into the basket or may use the backboard to redirect the ball into the basket.

Contrary to thinking a basketball shot is controlled by one hand, the use of both hands in proper sequence of one another make for more accurate shooting percentages, as they relate to a higher degree of difficulty in shots taken by elite basketball players.

Ideally, a basketball training aid should be user-friendly and safe in-use and, yet would operate reliably and be manufactured at a modest expense. Thus, a need exists for a basketball training aid structured and arranged to be worn on a guide or non-shooting hand of a basketball player for use in developing a proper basketball shot, thereby increasing higher shooting percentages and overall accuracy and to avoid the above-mentioned problems.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known of shooting and training aids for basketball players art, the present invention provides a novel basketball training aid. The general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail is to provide a basketball training aid structured and arranged to be worn on a guide or non-shooting hand of a basketball player for use in developing a proper basketball shot, thereby increasing higher shooting percentages and overall accuracy.

A basketball training aid comprises: a shooting disc; an adjustable strap; a wrist positioner. The shooting disc includes: a front surface; a back surface; a first wedge cut-out; and a second wedge cut-out. Wherein the first wedge cut-out is located on a first side edge portion thereof and sized and shaped to allow a thumb of a basketball player to reside therein. Wherein the second wedge cut-out is located on a second side edge portion thereof opposite from the first side portion and sized and shaped to allow a thumb of a basketball player to reside therein.

Wherein the adjustable strap is attached to the back surface of the shooting disc and is adapted to receive and hold a non-shooting hand of a basketball player to the back surface.

The wrist positioner includes: a left panel; a right panel; a center panel. Wherein the left panel is adapted to contact a left-side portion of the wrist of a basketball player's non-shooting hand. Wherein the right panel is adapted to contact a right-side portion of the wrist of a basketball player's non-shooting hand. Wherein the center panel is connected between the left and right side panels and is adapted to contact a center-front portion of the wrist of a basketball player's non-shooting hand. Wherein the wrist positioner is attached to a lower edge portion of the shooting disc in between the first and second wedge cut-outs.

Wherein when a basketball player uses the basketball training aid they place their non-shooting hand upon the back surface under the adjustable strap, place their wrist against the left, right, and center panels of the wrist positioner, place their thumb in one of the first and second wedge cut-outs, and then adjust the adjustable strap, such that their non-shooting hand is in a proper position to use the basketball training aid while shooting a basketball. Wherein when in use a basketball player can place a basketball against the front surface of the shooting disc with their shooting hand and while shooting the basketball use the basketball training aid to guide the basketball toward a basket.

The present invention holds significant improvements and serves as a basketball training aid. For purposes of summarizing the invention, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the invention have been described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any one particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. The features of the invention which are believed to be novel are particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings and detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The figures which accompany the written portion of this specification illustrate embodiments and method(s) of use for the present invention, a Basketball Training Aid, constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view illustrating a front surface of the Basketball Training Aid according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a back surface of the Basketball Training Aid according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a wrist positioner including a left panel, a right panel; and a center panel of the Basketball Training Aid according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating the Basketball Training Aid in an in-use condition according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5A is a perspective view illustrating the Basketball Training Aid in another in-use condition according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5B is a perspective view illustrating the Basketball Training Aid in yet another in-use condition according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a is a perspective view illustrating a back surface of the Basketball Training Aid according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

The various embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like designations denote like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As discussed above, embodiments of the present invention relate to a shooting and training aids for basketball players and more particularly to a basketball training aid structured and arranged to be worn on a guide or non-shooting hand of a basketball player for use in developing a proper basketball shot, thereby increasing higher shooting percentages and overall accuracy

Generally speaking, a basketball shooting and training aid is applied to the guide hand of a player, comprising of an adjustable strap which enables the first four fingers to slide under the strap and be pressed against the back side of the device, which aids in resistance against the basketball for proper control and support of the ball. The thumb is placed outside of the adjustable strap on the back side of the device and is pressed against the device for support of the basketball. The device is designed and constructed where it may be used be either a left handed shooter or a right handed shooter.

The device has been constructed with a guide hand wrist support which protrudes inwardly. Once the device is placed on the guide hand with the first four fingers under the adjustable strap and the thumb out to the side of the back face of the shooting disk, the support naturally creates a flexed wrist and a proper 35-45 degree angle for the forearm of the guide hand. This wrist support will cause the guide hand elbow to become slightly flared out away from the shooting disc, which in turn adds stabilization to the guide hand on the ball. This forces the wrist to have added resistance against the ball. With the guide hand wrist flexed and forcibly bent into the proper shooting position, the elbow will slightly flair and the guide hand arm is not allowed to be incorrectly straightened. The face of the shooting disc forces the guide hand to stay on the ball with a bent wrist through the full motion of a basketball shot, including through the shooting hand follow through. The shooting arm and hand are not resisted, allowing for a straightened follow through, extending slightly beyond the, now limited range of the guide hand arm.

As the shooting disc adds proper stabilization and increased aim to the shooting hand, the face of the shooting disc allows for a smooth resistance for the ball to slide off of and shoot through. By the device having a front face which is smooth, it forces the ball to remain stabilized through the point of the shooting hand follow through. When worn for basketball and shooting training, the shooting disc forces your guide hand to have proper wrinkles in the wrist. When the shooting disc is worn, in order to properly control the ball, it also forces the shooting hand wrist to have wrinkles in the wrist which is also correct and what is desired. By creating wrinkles in the shooting hand wrist, once the ball is shot, the basketball will have natural backspin after the shooting hand follow through and flexed in a downward position. This results in a softer and better touch when shooting, which is desired in order to have a good basketball shot.

By keeping the guide hand on the ball through the shot, the player is forced to keep their shoulders square to the basket, which is an essential component in the accuracy of a basketball shot. When the player takes a dribble with the shooting hand to get ready to shoot, in order for the ball to be controlled, the ball is forced against the face of the device on the guide hand. If the shooting hand is not properly positioned under the ball upon connection to the guide hand disc, the ball will fall to the ground and not be able to be controlled. The disc forces the shooting hand and forearm into the correct position immediately after the basketball is dribbled once, bounces up and is controlled when the ball connects with the guide hand shooting disc. This forces the player's hands into a “ready position” into the proper “shot pocket.” This shot pocket is located at the upper stomach and lower chest. Because the device forces the player to control and receive the ball in the proper location and shot pocket, this eliminates the movement of players who incorrectly bring the ball up to the shot pocket from a lower starting point, like around the lower stomach, belt time or even lower. By speeding up the process of getting the ball into the proper shot pocket, this will result in a quicker release and shot, resulting in more shooting opportunities and reducing the likelihood a shot may be blocked because the shot is leaving the shooting hand at a quicker and earlier time.

The shooting hand and arm will fall into a natural shooting position with the wrist forced into a bent back position (90 degrees), by the shooting disc being on the guide hand. The disc is flexible enough to allow resistance by the back of the knuckles to counter resist against the finger pads of the guide hand and fingers on the device. This allows for the guide hand to be cupped or contoured more towards the circular shape of the ball and a natural finger pad alignment, resulting in more of a true basketball feel. The use of the thumb on the ball is restricted to allow more development of the shooting hand and arm. Young basketball players with minimal strength will use their guide hand to aid the shooting hand in getting the ball up to the rim. The guide hand then flairs out as if the shot is taken with equal force of both the guide hand and shooting hand. When this happens, the guide hand palm will flair out with the thumb making for an inaccurate shooting technique. With the disc on the guide hand, the palm of the hand STAYS perpendicular to the flexed shooting hand upon the follow through of the shot.

The advanced version, which has a thumb cut out on the disc, allows for usage of the guide hand thumb to aid in stabilization of the shot, by lifting up with the shooting hand while the ball remains pinned against the face of the device through the follow through and shot. With the thumb cut out, the disc remains perpendicular to the shooting hand upon follow through, while the guide hand thumb slides against the outer face of the shooting disc, with the thumb ultimately pointing towards the basket. Contrary to thinking a basketball shot is controlled by one hand, the use of both hands in proper sequence of one another make for higher shooting percentages and more accurate shooters, as they relate to a higher degree of difficulty in shots taken by elite basketball players.

The basketball training aid is the first basketball training aid that validates both correct shooting arm and guide hand placement during and after the shot. It's the first Aide that teaches how both arms and hands work in coordination of one another, instead of one or the other. When you check your follow through with your shooting arm against the Arc Lines on the Guide hand, they become one. The closest thing we have ever had to accomplishing this is a Basketball with both hand imprints on it to show how to place your hands on the ball. In other words, that only shows both hands on the ball (before) the shot.

The basketball shooting and training aid will provide the following benefits:

-   -   To be a good and consistent shooter, the player must pay         attention to detail on proper shooting form. This includes         detail with the shooting hand as well as the guide hand. When         used, the Sharp Shooter forces proper form from all aspects of a         good shot and the device does not allow a player to deviate from         this. Regular practice with the device will develop proper         “muscle memory” of how a player should shoot and the player will         increase their shooting percentage as proper form is mastered         and becomes second nature without the player thinking about it     -   Using the device, the player shooting MUST have proper hand         position (shooting hand and guide hand) on the ball or the ball         will not be able to be controlled. This forces the shooting hand         position to be directly under the ball, with finger properly         spread, with the ball resting on the pad of the fingers and pad         of the upper hand     -   With the shooting hand being forced to be under the ball on the         finger and upper hand pad, the shooting elbow will not be able         to “flair out” as the pressure from the guide hand will not         allow this in order to control the ball. This will eliminate         side spin when shooting. Therefore, the shooting elbow will be         properly aligned and back spin will be put on the ball,         resulting in better touch and control when following through and         shooting.     -   For training and practicing, when a power dribble is taken when         using the device and in order to control the ball using the         device, the ball is already positioned in the proper shot         pocket. The proper shot pocket is located at the bottom part of         the chest/upper stomach This eliminates incorrectly starting         with the ball being too low (will not allow for dipping of the         ball) when receiving a pass and starting the shot, thus speeding         up the shooting release of shooters who start too low with the         ball. A quicker release will result in more shot opportunities         and to be less likely a shot will be blocked because the shot is         occurring with a quicker release. Using the device, the player         will train their body and mind to receive the ball in the proper         shot pocket.     -   With the device design, the ball will not be able to be         incorrectly shot behind your head (slingshot) or off to the side         because the ball will not be able to be controlled. By training         with the device, correct form will be learned, even with         experienced players. With experienced players, their shot will         be fine tuned and improved.     -   The guide hand (where the device is placed and worn) will stay         to the side of the ball and will be properly positioned and         forced into this position when using the device. This will         encourage support and balance help from the guide hand and         promote a one handed follow through and shot, using the shooting         hand     -   The device also eliminates two motion shooters, who generally         pause/hitch/stop at the top of the shot instead of having a         fluid one motion release, which is more accurate and a shooting         characteristic of most good shooters. In order to control the         ball when using the device, a one motion shot must be used. A         one motion shot has a quick and smooth release with no hitch and         the device promotes this. With a one motion shooter, the elbow         will be in and a two motion shooter will usually have an elbow         which flairs out at the stop point at the top, before the shot,         which is incorrect.     -   The lower device has a wrist support extension, which properly         supports and positions the guide hand wrist into the perfect         angle and position, which helps to support and control the ball         in the shooting hand. With proper and strict form, which the         device forces you to maintain, gives the shooter wrinkles in the         guide hand wrist as well as having wrinkles in the shooting hand         wrist. Most have heard of having wrinkles in the shooting hand,         but all good shooters also have wrinkles in their guide hand. If         you look at the competitor's product, The Pure Shot, a player is         allowed to not have wrinkles in the guide hand wrist because         there is not a wrist extension so the guide hand elbow can be         positioned incorrectly to support the ball. This is a huge         differentiator for our device, compared to the Pure Shot.     -   The flexibility of the device, allows for the device shape to         contour towards the circular shape of the basketball. This is a         true basketball feel, because if the device were rigid with no         flexibility, like the Pure Shot, then you would not receive the         contoured feel. Also, if the product were stiff and rigid like         the Pure Shot, you could use improper form to shoot as your         elbow could be too far in or out     -   For our device model which DOES NOT have the thumb cut out, it         can be used for either a left handed or right handed shooter.         For the Pure Shot, you need one model for a right handed shooter         and one for a left handed shooter. Also, on our device, the         thumb is free and not strapped down like the Pure Shot. The Pure         Shot also has a strap which forces the middle finger and ring         finger together on the guide hand. This is incorrect finger         placement as your fingers should be spread out to support         control of the ball     -   On our device, the positioning of the Velcro strap over the back         bottom knuckles in the middle of the hand, allows for the proper         pressure to be put on the ball as the guide hand slightly         contours around the true basketball circular shape     -   If player has a flat (low arcing shot), the device promotes a         higher arc on the shot by shooting more vertically, instead of         out and flat. The manner in which the ball is forced to balance         and be controlled, a player will not be able to shoot improperly         outward, as the shooting hand is forced under the ball, in order         to control it. This, in turn, encourages the shooting motion to         be more vertical which promotes proper arc and will result in a         higher shooting percentage     -   Device forces perfect form and a proper “shooting window” is         made when utilized     -   Device is durable material, sturdy enough for longevity yet         pliable enough to gain the feel of a circular basketball when         using because of the guide hand being able to conform around the         shape of the ball.

Referring to the drawings by numerals of reference there is shown in FIGS. 1-5, perspective views illustrating basketball training aid 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Basketball training aid 100 comprises: shooting disc 110; adjustable strap 150; and wrist positioner 160. Shooting disc 110 includes: front surface 120; back surface 130; first wedge cut-out 140; and second wedge cut-out 144. Wherein front surface 120 of shooting disc 110 includes plurality of markings 122 thereon adapted to be use by basketball player 400 to slide basketball 410 along markings 122 while shooting basketball 410 as shown in FIG. 5. Wherein both of said spaced elongated ARC lines 122 are formed as straight lines and are parallel to one another. Wherein one of the spaced elongated ARC lines 122 is formed as a straight line 124; and a second of the spaced elongated ARC lines 122 is formed as curved line 126. Wherein front surface 120 of shooting disc 110 is formed having a smooth surface.

Wherein shooting disc 110 further includes a first rim portion 112 around an outer edge portion thereof and extending at an angle towards front surface 120. Wherein shooting disc 110 further includes a second rim portion 116 around an outer edge portion thereof and extending at an angle towards back surface 130. Wherein shooting disc 110 is formed having a substantially circular shape.

Wherein first wedge cut-out 140 is located on a first side edge portion thereof and sized and shaped to allow thumb 404 of basketball player 400 to reside therein. Wherein second wedge cut-out 144 is located on a second side edge portion thereof opposite from the first side portion and sized and shaped to allow thumb 404 of basketball player 400 to reside therein.

Wherein adjustable strap 150 is attached to back surface 130 of shooting disc 110 and is adapted to receive and hold non-shooting hand 420 of basketball player 400 to back surface 130. Wherein adjustable strap 150 is formed as two strap portions 154 releasably connected to one another at respective distal ends via respective hook and loop fasteners 156.

Wrist positioner 160 includes: left panel 170; right panel 180; and center panel 190. Wherein the left panel 170 is adapted to contact a left-side portion of the wrist of non-shooting hand 420 of basketball player 400. Wherein right panel 180 is adapted to contact a right-side portion of the wrist of a non-shooting hand 420 of basketball player 400.

Wherein center panel 190 is connected between left panel 170 and right side panel 180 and is adapted to contact a center-front portion of the wrist of a non-shooting hand 420 of basketball player 400. Wherein wrist positioner 160 is attached to a lower edge portion of shooting disc 110 in between first wedge cut-out 140 and second wedge cut-out 144. Wherein center panel 190 of wrist positioner 160 is configured such that when wrist positioner 160 is connected to the lower edge portion of shooting disc 110, center panel 190 is oriented at an angle of 90 degrees to back surface 130 of shooting disc 110 as shown in FIG. 3. Wherein center panel 190 of wrist positioner 160 is configured such that when wrist positioner 160 is connected to the lower edge portion of shooting disc 110, center panel 190 is oriented at a 45-degree angle to back surface 130 of shooting disc 110 also shown in FIG. 3. Wherein center panel 190 of wrist positioning 160 further includes rim portion 194 around an outer edge portion thereof and extending at an angle therefrom. Wherein rim portion 194 of center panel 190 of is formed having a curved cross-section.

Wherein when basketball player 400 uses basketball training aid 100 basketball player 400 place their non-shooting hand upon back surface 130 under adjustable strap 150, place their wrist against left panel 170; right panel 180; and center panel 190 of wrist positioner 160, place thumb 404 in one of the first wedge cut-out 140 and second wedge cut-out 144, and then adjust adjustable strap 150, such that their non-shooting hand is in a proper position to use basketball training aid 100 while shooting basketball 410. Wherein when in use basketball player 400 can place basketball 410 against front surface 120 of shooting disc 110 with their shooting hand and while shooting basketball 410 use basketball training aid 100 to guide the basketball 410 toward a basket.

The embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary and numerous modifications, variations and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which are intended to be embraced within the spirit and scope of the invention. Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientist, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A basketball training aid comprising: a shooting disc including: a front surface; a back surface; and a first wedge cut-out; wherein said first wedge cut-out is located on a first side edge portion thereof and sized and shaped to allow a thumb of a basketball player to reside therein; and a second wedge cut-out; wherein said second wedge cut-out is located on a second side edge portion thereof opposite from said first side portion and sized and shaped to allow a thumb of a basketball player to reside therein; an adjustable strap; wherein said adjustable strap is attached to said back surface of said shooting disc and is adapted to receive and hold a non-shooting hand of a basketball player to said back surface; a wrist positioner including: a left panel; wherein said left panel is adapted to contact a left-side portion of the wrist of a basketball player's non-shooting hand; a right panel; wherein said right panel is adapted to contact a right-side portion of the wrist of a basketball player's non-shooting hand; and a center panel; wherein said center panel is connected between the left and right side panels and is adapted to contact a center-front portion of the wrist of a basketball player's non-shooting hand; wherein said wrist positioner is attached to a lower edge portion of said shooting disc in between said first and second wedge cut-outs; wherein when a basketball player uses said basketball training aid they place their non-shooting hand upon the back surface under said adjustable strap, place their wrist against said left, right, and center panels of said wrist positioner, place there thumb in one of said first and second wedge cut-outs, and then adjust said adjustable strap, such that their non-shooting hand is in a proper position to use said basketball training aid while shooting a basketball; and wherein when in use a basketball player can place a basketball against said front surface of said shooting disc with their shooting hand and while shooting said basketball use said basketball training aid to guide said basketball toward a basket.
 2. The basketball training aid of claim 1, wherein said front surface of said shooting disc includes a plurality of markings thereon adapted to be use by said basketball player to slide said basketball along said markings while shooting said basketball.
 3. The basketball training aid of claim 2, wherein said plurality of markings are formed as spaced ARC lines
 4. The basketball training aid of claim 3, wherein both of said spaced elongated ARC lines are formed as straight lines and are parallel to one another.
 5. The basketball training aid of claim 1, wherein said center panel of said wrist positioner is configured such that when said wrist positioner is connected to said lower edge portion of said shooting disc said center panel is oriented at an angle of 90 degrees to said back surface of said shooting disc.
 6. The basketball training aid of claim 5, wherein said center panel of said wrist positioner is configured such that when said wrist positioner is connected to said lower edge portion of said shooting disc said center panel is oriented at a 45 degree angle to said back surface of said shooting disc.
 7. The basketball training aid of claim 1, wherein said shooting disc further includes a first rim portion around an outer edge portion thereof and extending at an angle towards said front surface.
 8. The basketball training aid of claim 1, wherein said shooting disc further includes a second rim portion around an outer edge portion thereof and extending at an angle towards said back surface.
 9. The basketball training aid of claim 1, wherein said adjustable strap is formed as two strap portions releasably connected to one another at respective distal ends via respective hook and loop fasteners.
 10. The basketball training aid of claim 1, wherein said front surface of said shooting disc is formed having a smooth surface.
 11. The basketball training aid of claim 1, wherein said shooting disc is formed having a substantially circular shape.
 12. The basketball training aid of claim 1, wherein said center panel of said wrist positioner further includes a rim portion around an outer edge portion thereof and extending at an angle therefrom.
 13. The basketball training aid of claim 12, wherein said rim portion of said center panel is formed having a curved cross-section. 